Description

For most professionals, money is a motivator. But what does the Bible say about wealth? Can you really be rich and follow Jesus at the same time? In this episode, we’ll explore the story of King Solomon to find out.

Timestamps:

[00:04] - Intro

[00:41] - Most businesses want to make profits as much as they want to serve, which can create an ethical conflict for a lot of Christian professionals.

[01:31] - Multiple scriptures warn about the danger of financial idolatry, including the story of the rich man in Matthew 19. 

[03:06] - Scripture shows that God often rewarded His followers with material wealth. King Solomon is the best example of this. Because He asked for wisdom to rule with, God gave him not only wisdom, but wealth, too. 

[05:58] - Solomon’s wealth was a consequence of his faith. It made other people, such as the Queen of Sheeba, recognize how powerful God was.

[08:50] Solomon and the rich man were different when it comes to attitude of heart. It’s difficult to stop coveting if, like the rich man, you sought money first. But if you love God first, then it’s OK to take whatever reward He offers to you and reinvest it for His glory.

[10:39] I do not believe in the prosperity gospel. God will give what He gives, and there are no guarantees about what His rewards to us will be, even though we can have the confidence to ask for anything. Invest because it’s the right thing, not because you’re expecting some ROI.

[12:30] Prayer

[13:30] Outro

Key takeaways:

• Companies usually want to serve, but they want profits, too. 
• Because of specific verses in the Bible, many people have gotten the idea that having money is wrong. They advocate a life of simplicity or even poverty.
• Despite warnings about financial idolatry, scripture also shows that God often rewards faithful people with material wealth. Lot, Abram, Job, and King Solomon are just some of the examples.
• King Solomon’s wealth was massive, even by today’s standards. But Solomon’s wealth was a reward. It was not something he asked for. His heart was for God, not money, and subsequently, he had far more than he needed.
• Solomon’s wealth attracted attention. It served as a testimony to God’s greatness and even caused the Queen of Sheeba to praise Him.
• Unlike Solomon, the rich man who walked away from Jesus did not have God first in his heart. If you have a habit of coveting money, then it’s difficult to change course and follow God instead.
• Accept whatever gift God chooses to give you, money or otherwise.
• The prosperity gospel is a consequence of modern bias toward tangible rewards. Give because it’s the right thing, not because you expect anything back. Recognize and respect that, while you should have the confidence to ask for anything, God can say no if He chooses.

Relevant Links:

Beyond Billions: Create Lasting Wealth Using Trillionaire Solomon’s Success Secrets

Richest men in history: Vladimir Putin, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett aren’t even close

CTAs:

• Put God first and use anything He rewards you with to glorify Him.
• Give because it is right, not because you expect a reward back.

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